It’s Not Too Late: Why Getting a Flu shot Still Matters this Season
Flu activity has increased steadily this season, with more people seeking care for influenza-like illness compared with some recent years. Healthcare providers across the region are reporting higher-than-expected case counts for this point in the season, reinforcing concerns that influenza remains a serious and ongoing threat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu activity often peaks between December and February but can continue into spring, making vaccination important well beyond the fall months. Learn more about seasonal influenza at cdc.gov/flu.
This year’s increase in flu cases is being felt in primary care offices, urgent care centers, and hospitals. Dr. Gregory Herman, a primary care physician with Shore Physicians Group, says one contributing factor may be lower vaccination rates.
“I’m seeing about 40 percent of my patients who have not received a flu shot this year,” Dr. Herman said. “In past years, that number was closer to 25 percent. That’s a significant increase, and it puts more people at risk for severe illness.”
Dr. Herman strongly recommends annual flu vaccination for nearly everyone six months of age and older. He emphasizes that it is not too late to get vaccinated, even as the season progresses.
“People often think they’ve missed their chance, but that’s simply not true,” he said. “Flu activity can continue for months, and getting vaccinated now can still offer meaningful protection.”
It’s also important for people to understand that the flu shot does not provide immediate immunity. Dr. Herman explains that it typically takes about seven days after receiving a flu shot for the body to build enough antibodies to become fully inoculated.
“That window is exactly why I encourage people to act sooner rather than later,” he said. “Waiting increases the risk of getting sick before your immune system has time to respond.”
Beyond personal protection, vaccination plays a critical role in protecting the broader community. Getting a flu shot helps reduce the spread of the virus, particularly to vulnerable populations such as older adults, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
“When you get vaccinated, you’re not just protecting yourself,” Dr. Herman said. “You’re helping protect your family members, coworkers, patients, and neighbors. It’s a shared responsibility.”
As part of ongoing efforts to safeguard patients and staff during peak flu and RSV season, Shore Medical Center has updated its visitor policy. Keeping everyone safe remains the hospital’s top priority. During this time, children age 16 and younger are restricted throughout the hospital, except when they are patients or in extenuating circumstances approved by hospital leadership.
In addition, through April 1, visitation in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is limited to individuals whose identification matches the newborn. These temporary measures are designed to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses and protect the hospital’s most vulnerable patients.
Dr. Herman encourages anyone with questions about flu vaccination or seasonal illness prevention to speak with their primary care provider.
“The flu shot is safe, effective, and one of the simplest steps you can take to stay healthy,” he said. “I highly recommend it.”
